Financial support

Your living costs while a student will vary depending on your situation, but you should expect to spend around £8,500 on living expenses during each academic year (9 months). This is only a guide figure and, of course, the amount you actually do spend is very much down to lifestyle choice.

Heriot-Watt University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to help you pay for your education and other living costs while you are studying at university.

In addition, there may be other forms of financial support available to you from UK governments, depending on your circumstances and eligibility.

Financial support for students from Scotland

Students from Scotland may be eligible for a Student Loan, a Young Students' Bursary, an Independent Students' Bursary, an Additional Loan and Supplementary grants from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).

Tuition fee and living cost loans

As of September 2018, tuition fee loans of £5,500 are to be made available to Scottish distance learning students on taught postgraduate courses. Full-time distance learning postgraduate students will also be able to access a £4,500 living cost loan for the first time. Find out more from the Students Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)

Financial support for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales

Government loans and grants are available to help cover the costs of tuition fees and living costs. The types of loan and the amount of financial support that you are eligible to receive will vary depending on your circumstances.

You can find the latest information on what financial support is available to you from these organisations:

BBC News has a useful student finance calculator that shows you how the Tuition Fee Loan repayment system works for students from England or Wales.

Funding for part-time undergraduate students

Students studying an eligible part-time undergraduate course should note that the Fee Waiver Scheme no longer exists and all eligible students should apply for fee support under the Part-time Fee Grant Scheme.

Discretionary Hardship Fund

Undergraduate students who have taken out the maximum student loan they are entitled to, and who are experiencing financial difficulties due to exceptional circumstances or an unexpected crisis, can apply for a Discretionary Hardship Fund. Part-time undergraduate and postgraduate students are also eligible to apply

Childcare Fund

Full-time undergraduate students who are eligible for student loan support can apply for assistance with the cost of formal registered childcare, so long as they have applied for the maximum student loan they are entitled to.

Other forms of financial support

Student Support can offer more advice on what financial support options may be available to you.